About SBTA

WHO WE ARE

The South Bend Tenants’ Association (SBTA) is a local non-profit dedicated to upholding the rights and dignities of tenants. Through public education and community organizing we are magnifying the voice of tenants in South Bend. Tenants have rights, and the SBTA will ensure they are protected.

WHAT WE DO

The South Bend Tenants’ Association primarily focuses on tenant education. We believe that the first step in addressing poor landlord practices is to ensure that every tenant knows their rights and protections under the law. The SBTA also works with local apartment complexes to foster positive relationships between communities of tenants and their landlords. In conjunction with this, the SBTA aims to be a nexus of resources for any issue that tenants may be facing. 

WHY WE DO IT

South Bend is in crisis. Lack of affordable housing, predatory landlord practices, and a staggering eviction rate threatens tenants all across our city. It’s time that tenants’ voices are heard and their interests are respected. We live in South Bend, too. We want our home to be accessible to all, regardless of economic status or legal ability.

HOW WE STARTED

In August of 2019, the tenants of Western Manor Apartments were each served notices to evacuate their homes within the month or else pay significantly heightened rent. An outside investment company had bought the apartment complex in an effort to gentrify the region. They raised rents to unreasonable amounts and allowed no leeway for families. Tenants were outraged and they wanted solutions. The Western Manor Tenant Association formed to provide answers and connected tenants with nonprofit resources, including legal support. 

We quickly learned that the Western Manor Tenant Association would not be large enough to deal with the scale of our crisis. The forced eviction of tenants in Western Manor Apartment Complex was not a one-off event; it was a symptom of a much wider trend occurring in South Bend. Recognizing this, the South Bend Tenants’ Association was established, setting its aim to magnify the voice of tenants across the city.